Reader QuestionI spent 6 years in college and my husband spent 4 years. We both have boxes and boxes of notes, papers, drawings, etc. from school. Although they are 'organized,' they take up so much space. What is reasonable to keep and what should we throw out? Kellie Hall Omaha, NE 
Our ResponseDear Kellie, It’s so great to see that you are thinking about these items and their place in their life, rather than just storing them indefinitely. That is a super way to stay organized! First and foremost, anything that contains information that can easily be found elsewhere, such as in a library or on the Internet, can easily be let go. There is just no reason to use valuable space for easy-to-access information. Now look through your notes and papers. Try to do this as quickly as possible, without getting bogged down in the details. Ask yourself as you do, 'will there ever be a need for me to have these?' If you answer yes to that question, make yourself then answer the question, 'what would happen if I didn't have it?' Chances are, nothing that tragic. You also mentioned drawings. If these are original pieces of art, perhaps you can scan them into your computer and then let the originals go. If you feel compelled to keep the originals, can they be framed and used to decorate your living space so you and your family can enjoy them? As you browse through your papers, you may notice some notes, drawings, reports, etc. that you just can't bear to part with--some with very sentimental value. Give yourselves permission to have one 'small' box each to store these treasures that you may wish to browse over the years, or even share with your kids or grandkids if and when applicable. But for the rest, once you give yourself the permission to let stuff go, you will be pleasantly surprised to find how little of it you find a need to keep. 
Click Here for Contact InformationCopyright 1998 - 2008 Effective Business Systems Get Organized Now!™ 611 Arlington Way Watertown, WI 53094 |
Free Get Organized Now!™ Idea-Pak The free Get Organized Now!™ Idea-Pak is filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office, your time and your life!
Free Get OrganizedNow!™ Newsletter Want hundreds of little-known tips to help you organize your home, your office and your life? Get our free, weekly Get Organized Now!™ E-mail Newsletter. It's read by thousands of subscribers, each month. We respect your privacy. Your e-mail address will never be shared with or sold to anyone.
|